Council ToolSU35J36C 3.5 lb. Jersey Axe Sport Utility Finish - 36" Curved Handle

I usually don't write reviews, unless I'm really excited about the product, and oh boy! I am EXCITED about this axe! Got these 3.5 lbs of FREEDOM out of the box, did nothing to it, and obliterated a big round from the base of a red oak with a regular amount of effort. You don't need strength. You don't need to stress out. Just casual overhead swings and letting the blade bite. Three to four hits and the round is splitting! I've never spent money on a decent axe before, but this thing is 100% worth every cent! I'm 6'1" and he handle is perfect, the length, radius, shape, all perfect. When it bites, it comes out easily too, just a little tug, or eventual kick on the log with the sole of the boots. Council Tools FULL SENT IT and DELIVERED with this tool!Word of advice: get yourself steel toes boots. Because this axe is sharp!

Although buying from the "luck of the draw" sports utility line, just looking for a "working ax," I scored a premium specimen.Haft:Ideal, uniformly vertical grain eye to knob on this specimen. (I've had a couple CT Sports Utility that were slightly diagonal, but always perfectly okay). Expertly hung. Even what curl there must have been was neatly trimmed away. Sweet job. Light wax will easily come off (as for all CT Sports Utility hafts, which always come out gorgeous with a little TLC and several coats of BLO).Blade:I did not order a phantom bevel model and did not want one. Although sharp enough to be "usable from the box," rather, say "great head start" on the sharpening you'll prefer to give it. Came with slightly hollow ground, rough grind at 20 deg. Sharp, sure -- but any jagged metal edge will cut. Tested the freshly unwrapped ax on seasoned ash. Sticky and, though did not roll or deform at all, lost its edge after halfway through 10" log. I easily filed that out to 23 deg. with just a hint of convex at the bit. Perfect. Much less stickier and still able to pick up forearm hairs after a half hour's work.For my $69, this just tickles me pink. Love it! Their 3/4 axes ("boys" axes, though I hate that term and prefer 3/4 or forest axes) are always awesome. I have bought and set up many of those for birthday and Christmas presents. This 36" Jersey? I would almost describe this as the "full sized" version of the "boys" ax for the delight it gives me in how it sharpens, holds its edge, feels good in my hands. Just an absolute delight. Very pleased with the one Wise Men Trading sent me.I would recommend it highly but for one thing: I have absolutely no idea what other consumers look for in their axes. I can only speak for This Old Scoutmaster and woodsman -- I am very, very pleased.

I know I lucked out, but it came with perfect grain orientation. The handle is superb! I’m curious if the wedge job will hold up or if I’ll need to replace it. The round wedge is just barely pronounced, and is placed a touch forward of where it should be. This caused part of the wood to split up top, but shouldn’t be an issue. They use a hydraulic press to hang these heads, so I accept that it won’t be perfect. The head itself performs great! Yes, the edge is usable out of the box, but it’s not perfect. Had some burrs, and not as sharp as it could be, but that’s easy to mend. The fawns foot was cut crudely, but it’s easy to round off the edges. They put a wax coating on these handles, which is nice because it’s waaaay easier to remove than lacquer. Very quick job to sand it down and apply some linseed oil. Even if the wedge does pop out, I’m happy with it as that is another easy fix. A little fine tuning and this becomes an outstanding American made tool worth more than its price.

I like the quality. Also, I scraped the plastic stuff off the handle and used boiled linseed oil. It's beautiful.

Bought in late December and broken by February?? My brother isn’t trying to cut down trees, he uses this for yard work and it’s busted already!! $75 down the drain.

Best axe on the market for the price IMO. Love it, they heat treated the one I have at least very well. And an American company so that is the biggest plus!

Nice tool. Do a bit of work on the handle and sharpen it and you will have a quality tool

Granted this is only my 7th axe, but from what I've experienced, this is the toughest. While splitting small diameter (under 18") red oak where a tree fell I discovered concrete patio slabs ... with this axe. Shoot!. Thought I'd damage it, but the bit survived unscathed! Couldn't even tell. Had the same basic circumstance at a different location with a different axe (during its first 10 minutes of use ... figures), with vastly worse results. Took a 1/4" chunk out of that other axe bit, and it was supposed to be a nicer axe (twice the price of this Council Tool). I now have a favorite axe brand. Would buy again.